THE moment Dario Gradi named his team, it seemed obvious that there would be goals galore on Saturday.

Electing to field three strikers against the free-scoring champions-elect was a signal of attacking intent, as his team attempted to end a run of 14 without a win.

And with Steve Coppell's visitors aiming to set a new English second-tier record of 31 games without defeat against an Alex side with just two clean sheets to their name this campaign, a 0-0 draw always seemed unlikely.

But nobody could have predicted what was by far the most thrilling, action-packed and entertaining game of the season at Gresty Road.

The only shame was that Crewe got nothing out of it. After surrendering an early lead provided by Lee Bell's first of the season, they fell 3-1 behind at the break.

Gareth Taylor's first in a Crewe shirt reduced the arrears, only for Leroy Lita to complete his brace, adding to earlier strikes from Nicky Shorey and Steve Sidwell.

Kenny Lunt's penalty provided real hope and Crewe were desperately unlucky not to force a point when the Royals somehow survived a prolonged goalmouth scramble in injury time.

Gradi said: 'I thought the players were good, apart from the mistakes we made. They were all up for the game. I always thought there was a chance of us scoring at the end and they were very down in the dressing room afterwards.'

A midweek trip to watch Reading thrash Norwich gave Gradi a firsthand insight into an opponent's play, and prompted his tactics.

Bell came in for the injured David Vaughan (dead leg), while Billy Jones moved from midfield to replace the dropped Richard Walker at the heart of defence.

Fit-again Anthony Tonkin was preferred to Darren Moss at left-back, while Luke Rodgers earned a start up front after two goals in his last two games as a substitute.

He linked with Taylor up top while Steve Jones operated on the right. Bell covered the left side as part of a lob-sided midfield three.

It made for an exhilarating start as both sides went for it. Rodgers and Billy Jones went close for the hosts while Sidwell and Kevin Doyle had threatened for the visitors, before Bell broke the deadlock before the quarter hour.

The visitors' natural counter-attacking style allowed Crewe good possession. It suited Lunt in particular and he was outstanding throughout, but when the reds pushed forward they were always vulnerable to lightning-fast breaks.

Lita had seen a shot smack against the bar before a poorly-organised defensive wall and keeper Ross Turnbull failed to keep out Shorey's 24th-minute free-kick leveller.

And when Sidwell made it 2-1 two minutes later, the gusto of Crewe's super start - inspired by the awesome endeavour of Rodgers - seeped away.

Lita's first before the break seemed to have spelled the end. But Crewe re-emerged with purpose and, while Foster and Jones never got a grip of the Congo-born striker and his partner Doyle, when going forward they caused problems.

On 50 minutes, Taylor reacted well to smash the rebound home after Marcus Hahnemann had saved Steve Jones' header.

Riled, Reading hit straight back with Lita's second within two minutes, but Crewe became the first team to knock three past the Royals this season when Lunt's penalty hit the net.

Foster was unfortunate not to grab a famous equaliser during an injury-time scramble, and Lunt was unlucky to be sent off.

But the Alex have now conceded four goals seven times this campaign (Lincoln and Derby hit five, while Cardiff notched six) and that simply cannot be down to luck.